Chapter 449

• The room had fallen into a thick, uncomfortable silence, the kind that even I, usually slow to pick up on undercurrents, couldn’t ignore. The tension was palpable every sideways glance, every subtle shift in posture spoke volumes.
• Deciding to break the ice, I leaned forward, my voice steady and confident. “Not long ago, Cassandra added some rare and exquisite orchids to my rooftop garden. Why don’t we take a moment to step outside? The bougainvillea on the terrace has just bloomed, and it’s absolutely stunning. If we don’t see it now, the window will close before long.”
• Cassandra smiled and nodded, effortlessly matching my tone. “Exactly. And if flowers aren’t your thing, there’s a live jazz ensemble setting up in the courtyard. Follow me.”